Joshua Baraka
Ugandan singer (born 2004)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joshua Baraka (born 13 December 2000, in Kawempe)[4][5] is a Ugandan recording artist[6] and music producer. He grew up with music at home because his mother was a choir member. He moved through the tough Bwaise slum and later became a well-known musician in Uganda.[7] Baraka gained recognition with his breakthrough single "Nana" in 2023 and hits like "Wrong Places"which he released in 2025[8] He has released more than ten albums, including Baby Step, Belinda and Sana.[9][10]
Early life and education
Baraka was born on 13 December 2000, in Kawempe, Kampala district[4][5] to a Kenyan father and Ugandan mother.[11] He began his primary education at various schools before completing it at Kitante Primary School. He attended Makerere College School for his O-level education and later pursued his A-level education at Mengo Senior School.[12][13][14]
Career
Baraka is a Ugandan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.[15] His music incorporates elements of Afrobeat, R&B, dancehall, and Amapiano.[16]
Early career and debut EP (2021)
Baraka's interest in music developed at an early age, influenced by his mother, who was a worship leader. He learned to play instruments such as the piano and guitar. In August 2021, he released his debut EP, Baby Steps, a four-track project that included the single "Be Me."[16]
Breakthrough with "Nana" (2023)
In 2023, Baraka released the single "Nana," which gained attention and appeared on music charts in Uganda and other East African countries. Following the success of the song, he released the EP Growing Pains, which included collaborations with Nigerian artist Magixx and Ghanaian rapper Yaw Tog.[17]
Subsequent work (2024–present)
In 2024, Baraka expanded Growing Pains into a deluxe edition, adding new tracks. One of the additions was "Alone," an Amapiano-influenced song featuring South African vocalist Nkosazana Daughter.
Baraka was selected as a Spotify RADAR Africa artist, a program aimed at promoting emerging African musicians. He announced plans to release a full-length studio album in 2025.[18][19]
Baraka was presented by Talent Africa Group for his inaugural concert. Titled "INTO THE BRAKA LAND," the event was scheduled for November 29, 2025, at the Ndeere Cultural Center in Kampala.[20]
Baraka was nominated as the best East African Artist of the Year by the 2025 Hipipo Awards, and won.[citation needed]
Discography
Albums
- Baby Steps (2021)
- Growing Pains (Deluxe) (2024)
- Recess (2024)
- juve (2025)
EPs
- Growing Pains (Live) (2024)
- Growing Pains (2023)
Singles
- "Nana" (2023)
- "Dalilah" featuring Axon (2023)
- "Dalilah II" featuring Axon (2024)
- "Lonely" (2024)
- "Touch Me" (2024)
- "Digii IV" (2024)
- "Falling in Love" (2024)
- "Wrong Places" (2025)